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Public agencies in 12 different cities within the Portland metropolitan area are each vying for a slice of more than $3.5 million in grant dollars available to fund their visions for making land within the urban growth boundary ready for development. The first round of applicants in Metro's construction excise tax planning grants program submitted letters of intent for 26 separate projects that support the development of sustainable, vibrant communities, safe and walkable neighborhoods, and local jobs. Learn how public/private partnerships help leverage financial or in-kind services in order to make planning projects a success.

Read recent news coverage of Metro and related topics in local and national media. Link to online stories from newspapers, radio, television and blogs.

Metro is excited to welcome new Oregon Zoo director Kimberly A. Smith beginning March 1. Smith brings 25 years of comprehensive zoo experience to the position. She has built an exceptional reputation for her commitment to wildlife conservation and has worked closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with state and local wildlife officials, on several local conservation initiatives. Smith also has a solid track record in overseeing and implementing strategic and master plans and will lead the Oregon Zoo as it undertakes $125 million worth of bond-related improvements over the next 10 to 15 years.

Rail~Volution, an annual gathering that explores the connection between land use and transit in creating greater livability and greater communities, has released presentations from its 2009 conference held this October in Boston, Mass. Metro Councilor Rod Park's presentation on creating green communities highlights some of the work in this region to change communities from "brown" and "grey" to "green" and calls for a rethinking of the urban landscape.

Read recent news coverage of Metro and related topics in local and national media. Link to online stories from newspapers, radio, television and blogs.

Read recent news coverage of Metro and related topics in local and national media. Link to online stories from newspapers, radio, television and blogs.

Metro's Natural Areas Program had another busy year in 2009, buying land across the Portland metropolitan area to safeguard water quality, protect wildlife habitat and ensure access to nature for future generations. More than 1,200 acres have been preserved so far, using about $47 million of a $227 million bond measure that voters approved in 2006. Check out some highlights.

Read recent news coverage of Metro and related topics in local and national media. Link to online stories from newspapers, radio, television and blogs.

Some young painters are using their art to show their pride and ownership in the Lents neighborhood and maybe in themselves as well. A colorful mural painted by students from Kelly Elementary, David Douglas High School and Portland Youth Builders using 100 percent recycled latex MetroPaint was installed in early December along the Springwater Corridor at Beggars Tick Wildlife Refuge near Southeast 111th Street two blocks north of Foster Road.